Hi all. I've been thinking of getting a decently fast portable inflator for Mini and two other cars (largest is a mid size SUV). Any recommendations? I've see some Viair and EPauto on Amazon but thought I'd ask the community.

I'm open to AC only or AC/DC. Ideally it's robust enough to last and not too slow.

Also, any idea whether the 12v Mini R56 outlet can handle 15amps (which seems to be the common metric in portable inflators)?

 

Viair 88p, no need to get a longer hose, this is the one I carry, clips to the battery. I use it on my clubby and wife’s Ford Escape. Just get a good tire gauge as the one on it is not accurate. After using it a couple of times you figure out the sweet spot. I carry it in the mini behind the passenger seat. It would fit in the spare area I just don’t want to toss it around with my tool bag.

 

I have the longer 6 ft hose and would be willing to part with it for cheap btw.

 

Here’s mine:

 

You must work out!

 

thanks. Is this connected to cigarette lighter or battery? How long to add say 5psi?

 

Connects to the battery, on a 205/45/17 it will do 6 psi in under a minute, 32 to 38. Took about 2 minutes to do 24 to 36 on a 235/55/17, wife’s escape.


I have read how people have blown fuses do to these in the cigarette lighter, so I just went for the battery and start the car while filling up the tires. Most of the time I’m just bumping up a couple of pounds on each, under a couple minutes. My OCD is putting everything pack in the case all nice and neat so add a few more minutes.

 

Thanks! Oh man, blowing fuses would be a bit painful. I have two very new BMWs than can handle the 15amps so was hoping to stick to the cigarette lighter...

 

I’m most likely under there any way checking oil or emptying the catch can.

 

+1 for the Viair. I have one that plugs into the 12V socket, simple and fast. I keep it with a plug kit and a good gauge in a small tool bag I got at HD for $6.

 

thanks, you have an R56 too? No issues with blown fuses?

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by cristo View Post
Here’s mine:


not really.
just takes a little perseverance and you
can fill a tire quicker than with an electric
tire compressor.

I’m also a big fan of Dynaplug rather
than slime or run-flats or both.

I actually do have a compressor that plugs
into the 12V plug but I never use it.
Slow, noisy and drains the battery at a
time when your car’s already in trouble
unless you keep the car running.

 

I have the Vlair, and it's great. Also I would suggest having a proper pressure gauge. The pencil ones are pretty useless. This is the one I have :

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/joe-32307

The gauge on the pump is not bad, within a couple of PSI. What I do is go two PSI above the required setpoint, and then bleed down to the right pressure with the accurate one.

 

exactly what I do, with the inflation. I just buy one of the analog dial ones you can get from any auto parts store. I usually just buy a new one every year. Wife has a tendency to lose one.

 

I have the factory MINI ones with the built in dial which makes it easy to use and have a pretty long cord to drag it out around the side. I also have a can or fix a flat as a back up if the tire does not seal. Also have a little pack of tire plugs so i can pull a nail/screw and fix it if i can reach it.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-atd-tool...t/atd8630~atd/ metal handle and full kit

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-camel-pa...it/15-162~cml/ simple kit/

 

Ended up getting the Viair 85 (12V) Works great, fast and seemed very well built. Great portable option. And no fuses blown.